Comedians Remember Beloved Philly Comedian Chris Cotton
Comedians swarmed to social media on Wednesday to pay last respects to a highly respected member of the Philly crew, Chris Cotton, who passed away unexpectedly this week. I didn’t personally know Chris, and had never had the chance to see him perform, but reading through the posts of many members of our own comedy family tonight has been heartbreaking, and we wanted to share some of them with all of you. If you didn’t get the chance to get to know Chris, you will feel like you did after reading the posts of the endless list of comics who knew, loved and respected him. All of these posts paint the picture of a comic and a man we wish we had a chance to know.
Cotton was 32, and about to be a first time father. His cause of death has not been shared publicly. The Philadelphia native was married, his wife is expecting their first child early in 2020. He worked with Comedy Central’s show Every Damn Day, the Bruce Willis Roast, and his webseries Carpool Rules. He appeared on Gotham Comedy Live, and his book What My Dad Did: My Theory On Joke Writing are all available.
A planned January appearance at City Winery will now serve as a memorial. Comedian friends are asking anyone who can to donate to Chris’ wife and child via their Amazon registry or a kickstarter that has been started in his name.
We’re devastated by the loss of Chris Cotton – a hilarious comedian, a beloved member of the Comedy Central family and a joy to be around. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/b7DU4AeGsE
— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) December 11, 2019
We were lucky to have Chris Cotton. Gone far too soon. pic.twitter.com/is1RF3s9uL
— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) December 11, 2019
So sad to hear about Chris Cotton. He was always kind and always real. And I always noticed him helping others get work and get booked. (including myself) His wife is due in February. Heartbreaking. Will tweet any info to donate as soon as I find out. https://t.co/XK6kYSBfaj
— Sal Vulcano (@SalVulcano) December 11, 2019
Heartbreaking. If you have the means, please consider donating any amount whatsoever to the family and wife/mother-to-be of young comedian Chris Cotton. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
In Loving Memory of Chris Cotton https://t.co/WwJoPD45Tc
— Sal Vulcano (@SalVulcano) December 12, 2019
A few weeks ago Chris Cotton randomly hit me up to thank me for a gig I got him YEARS ago that led to some other work for him.
I was in the middle of booking Isola Fest and booked him during the call. I was psyched to see him this weekend. RIP. https://t.co/Ge5SdSIb8O pic.twitter.com/1bkO1SKFil
— Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess) December 12, 2019
Heartbroken to hear about the loss of Chris Cotton. He was a father to be and a great comic. Please donate if you can.https://t.co/RIAyvFmIff pic.twitter.com/WVrSl7AUIi
— Robert Kelly (@robertkelly) December 12, 2019
RIP Chris Cotton you were fun to be around.
— RichVos (@RichVos) December 11, 2019
Fuck. Chris Cotton was such a good dude with amazing energy. RIP.
— yannispappas (@yannispappas) December 12, 2019
We just found out we have lost a Laff House family member. Speak of CHRIS COTTON as you have always done. Remember the good times, the laughter and the fun. Share the happy memories he has made. Do not let them… https://t.co/zNmjkyqB8l
— The Laff House (@LaffHousePhilly) December 11, 2019
In Loving Memory of Chris Cotton https://t.co/VDWEbAjtcp
— Colin Quinn (@iamcolinquinn) December 12, 2019
RIP Chris Cotton. Incredibly funny and good dude. https://t.co/Rbfl1iGHbP
— Tim Dillon (@TimJDillon) December 11, 2019
The Philadelphia Comedy community just lost a great guy. Chris Cotton
We all just saw him the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at Chickie’s for the comedians annual get together. I was telling him how happy I was to see see how well he was doing
Too young… so sad@ComedyCentral pic.twitter.com/Hl7yMum1pm
— Bob Marsdale (@BobMarsdale) December 11, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58fEG3Aqba/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58sNohHJ6S/
RIP Chris Cotton. Not sure what else to say except thank you for giving so many people a chance, via the Raven Lounge, to do what you so clearly loved to do. Such a great, funny guy who will be truly missed.
— Christian Alsis (@christianalsis) December 11, 2019
The Homie just Headlined Caroline's a week ago… RIP Chris Cotton https://t.co/aMuCz1ZKAG
— @Baker-Bone (@BakerBone) December 11, 2019
RIP. Cotton was an amazing person, comic, and friend. Many people owe so much to him. There isn’t a comic in NYC or Philly who doesn’t know how funny he was. Thanks for laughs, advice, and love. Chris leaves behind a wife and unborn child. Please donate.https://t.co/OvPgPs3hD3 pic.twitter.com/nBUfw4JNqJ
— Kevin Ryan (@KevinRyanComedy) December 11, 2019
Chris Cotton was a friend through my movie friends in philly, someone I spent countless time around with in comedy, and then came to screw around with us in Capitol Wrestling. He had a kid on the way. Please give what you can if you can. https://t.co/ZHvlBN4YiR
— Zac Amico (@ZacIsNotFunny) December 11, 2019
Another one. I’m absolutely devastated. Rest In Peace to one of the sweetest people in comedy. Chris Cotton was about to be a father. Baby registry link if you can help his family: https://t.co/qzRRg0JwqO pic.twitter.com/tCSNYlckSf
— Subhah (@Subhah) December 11, 2019
I loved Chris Cotton. His enthusiasm, generosity and kindness is unforgettable. And he was hilarious. His first child is due in February. Please consider helping his family this Holiday season. https://t.co/VJxfcRT5zn
— The Great Depresh HBO Streaming Now (@GaryGulman) December 12, 2019
…RIP @Cotton215. 10 years ago I was shakily trying to move out of my neo vaudeville scene comfort zone and work with “real” comedians and his compliments made me feel like I belonged. Always noticed when I put real writing work in. Thank you for everything, man. Rest easy ?.
— Hannah Harkness (@Hark_itsHannah) December 11, 2019
Rest in peace Chris Cotton ? pic.twitter.com/ZBX3C1i7Vm
— The Stand NYC (@TheStandNYC) December 11, 2019
I spent the day yesterday, Giraldo's bd talking about & remembering my male comrades that died too young & today I hear that Chris Cotton passed. We spent so many times together on @artiequitter & the infamous "Pull Over on the Jersey Turnpike episode". My❤️ can't take it all.
— Sue Costello Boston 12/21 (@suecostello) December 11, 2019
I swear I was thinking about Chris like two days ago. How he was one of the most talented dudes I ever met and the industry just wouldn’t give him a chance. We did some sketches together & he was so funny I was in awe of it. One time for Cotton. Y’all don’t even know what we lost
— Akaash Singh (@AkaashSingh) December 11, 2019
Man, if you wanna bury a few friends a year, fuck being a gang member. Become a comedian. I can’t believe Chris Cotton is gone. This is a tough one. My heart aches for his wife and his loved ones. That was a really good dude. Heaven just earned them a real one.
— Kerry Coddett (@Overfab) December 11, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58k3JnhdCx/
We’re heartbroken to hear about Chris Cotton. He was a comedy powerhouse, generous with his time and talents, and one of the nicest guys you could meet. We were lucky to have him. pic.twitter.com/0gEVhRb1u5
— CAVE! (@CavePhilly) December 11, 2019
Chris Cotton built a comedy scene in Philly that gave a start to some of the funniest comics I know. Almost all of my closest friends in comedy I met hanging outside a show he created. RIP.
— Chris O'Connor (@aChrisOConnor) December 11, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58k3JnhdCx/
What a total shit year. Philly lost a great comic and a truly great person. My heart goes out to the family of Chris Cotton and all those close to him. Chris was also about to be a dad. Here’s a link to he and his wife’s Amazon registry:https://t.co/Pf4xk5klfE#ripchriscotton pic.twitter.com/pLszIzePB0
— Michelle Biloon (@biloon) December 11, 2019
